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Monday, June 16, 2014

Indie film favorite Jon
Favreau, who wrote, directed and acted in Swingers
(1996), has spent the past decade directing movies like Iron Man, Iron Man 2 and Cowboys and Aliens. So it’s a treat to
see him write and direct and star in a small palate cleansing film again, even
if it is the tired “food movie” genre where the cooking scenes help tell
stories and showcase a character’s passion.

Ultimately, this is
the story of a 40something chef dealing with complicated work and family
relationships. When those relationships unfold realistically, this film sails.

But many of the plot
turns are too manipulative and unbelievable for what I thought this film could
be. This finding-your-passion food film starts out as an indie film (i.e. last
summer’s Way Way Back), but ends like
a contrived rom com (i.e. My Big Fat Greek Wedding). That’s a confusing shift,
but it definitely works as a crowd pleaser.

Simply
put:Movie comfort food that the whole
family will enjoy.

Award
potential: It’s a stellar cast
with everyone performing just right for a light film, but nothing more.

The ten
buck review: Not a stellar film, but
it’s a fun time at the movies. Worth ten bucks.

Wednesday, June 11, 2014

Anyone who didn’t think that The Fault in Our Stars would be a big hit is simply not keeping
up. The book, which has sold 10.7 million copies was already a phenomenon long
before the movie. And the Stars author
is as famous (or more) than the stars in the film.

Hazel Grace (Shailene
Woodley) has cancer. But, that’s her cancer story and this story is definitely more than
that. It’s a film that manages to be funny, poignant and heartbreaking. For
those who read the book, there was no other choice.

I know the question
you have and the answer for me is, "no." I did not tear up because this is a story
about youth, love and life. But I forgive anyone who does because the sad parts
unfolded without being movie - manipulative. It’s one of the best films of 2014 so far.

Simply
put: Good news for those
who read the book, it’s a faithful, sweet adaptation. Good news for those who
haven’t: it’s pretty awesome.

Award
potential:Ansel
Elgort’s character is a little too perfect, the film’s only fault, but
Shailene Woodley has a shot at a Golden Glove nod. As does Laura Dern, in a
supporting role as her mom. It’s a long shot for any Oscar nominations.